ITV tightens grip on British TV market as it snaps up Northern Ireland broadcaster UTV's channels in £100m deal

Broadcaster UTV is to sell its TV channels and brand to ITV in a £100million deal.

The company runs terrestrial channel UTV, which holds the broadcast licence for Northern Ireland on Channel 3, and UTV Ireland, a new channel for the Republic of Ireland, which launched at the start of this year.

The deal is the latest move by Downton Abbey (pictured) broadcaster ITV (0.8p up at 249.5p) to consolidate its hold on the British TV market.

UTV (up 10.5p at 184p) has operated in Northern Ireland since 1959 when it became the first commercial television channel in Ireland, and launched in the Irish Republic in January.

It will keep its radio operations, which include Talksport and some digital businesses.

ITV boss Adam Crozier said: ‘UTV has been the leading commercial broadcaster in Northern Ireland for many years.

'UTV Television’s strategic objectives are closely aligned with our own and we are very pleased that they are joining the ITV family.’